Chariton courier. (Keytesville, Chariton County, Mo.) 1878-current, 1887-02-03
NUMBER 40.

l.
two things TO choose between. He
realized that he mad ruined her life,
and swore that not till he had re-
| deemed himself would he seek this
pure sould But when he was about
decided to turn and lead new life,
Satan would bring in his willy tongue
and say, .sFind comfort in the cup. -
So presently he took up his hat,
walked down to the drug store and
sought comfort in the cup. But did
he find it? All, no. Who ever did,
does, or will?
One was not enough, so a second
was gulped down, and he kept going
on, on and on, until fever and dis
ease being all that his already pois.
oned blood could feed upon. he lay
ravIng on a bed of straw.
Eva had gone to strange land,
where she neither knew, nor was
known. She went to the house of
an old laky, who wanted campan-
ion, and Eva took that position. She
had always kept posted as to the
welfare of Ernest, and hearing Of
his sickness she at once beiook her
self to his bedside.
Her name was always upon his
lips, yet he knew not when her
hand smoothed his brow, or held his
tired head upon her lap She loved
him yet, but her proud nature was
too strong to be dragged down, when
she found out she could not elevate
his standing. She watched day
and night, allowing no one to enter
the room except the physician or
those whom they advised. She
grew to be mere shadow Of her once
plump form. He was growing better,
the crisis was past and now she must
go.
The next day was fixed for her
departure All the night she sat by
his bedside, looking and longing,
yet fearing, for look of recognition
from him whom she loved so dearly.
1t came, and with one cry he reached
for her hand, but it was gone. She
had left the room. All her orders
had been given that day for his well
fare. and now she would go to her
room and take q few hours rest.
But it was her time to face death,
and instead of leaving the next day
she, herself, over-worked for him,
was sinking slowly into the jaws Of
death. That dreadful fever Of the
BRAIN was upon him. One day she
requested to see Ernest-this being
the only intelligent sentence she had
uttered. He was wheeled into the
room and placed by her bedside.
All others were requested to leave
the room, and they we're once more
alone. He took her hand and clasp
ed it to his heart. Twas all be
could do. Raising his right hand to
Heaven, he said-'Eva, my dar-
ling, only 1--we to share my fate, and
heaven will yet reward US. Live for
me, dear, and you shall net
again be driven from my
home and heart by King Alcohol or
.the boys I only realize now
what 1 have been. and how much
love you. She did not hear him. She
was leaving this life for purer one.
And the faint smile that parted her
lips as she gave her last glance into
his eyes, only made his agony more
intense. For 1t reminded him Of the
once merry laugh that so often is
sued from those same lips, now cold
in death. 1t did not seem real when
he thought of his past life Of only
thirty years. 1t seemed like some
novel; but it was real, and when the
cold earth ratified on the coffin LID, he
covered up his face and wept like .
child. He could not call her back.
He, however, could become new
man within himself, and this be did.
But it came too late for her to enjoy.
Young man, don't, oh don't, take
a young wife to your home to gnaw
out her heart. If you cannot give
her better home than she now has,
or at least happier one, let her
alone.
Young lady, be careful. Don't
marry a man with his promise to do
better after marriage. II he cannot
bring wiIl-power enough to his res
cue to say stno'' to ''the boys" when
the wine cup is offered, before mar
riage, be sure he will not do it after
wards. Love man that loves him-
self. If he loves himself, he viii
respect himself, if he respects him
self, he will respect what belongs to
him, and consequently will respect
his wife.
Girls, beware of those who drink.
Don't be afraid to say 'No.,
A CONTRIBUTOR.